Collagen banking is the hottest term in skincare, but what is it? Some claim it's the secret to maintaining hydrated, glowing skin. But is it? And what do you need to do for this?
ContentWhat is collagen?What is collagen banking?What is collagen banking: what to do at home
WomanEL will tell you everything you need to know about collagen banking and whether it is worth all the hype on social networks.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that is one of the main building blocks of skin, as well as our bones, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Next to water, it is the most abundant molecule in our bodies, making up about 25 to 35 percent of all protein, says dermatologist Dandy Engelman.
“In the skin, it provides elasticity and structure, giving it a smooth appearance that is associated with a healthy, radiant appearance,” says dermatologist Ryan Turner. “However, as we age, collagen breaks down. As a result, the skin thins, sags, and loses volume, leading to wrinkles, folds, and sagging.”
What is collagen banking?
Experts say collagen banking is like a savings account for your skin. You build up your reserves so you have as much as possible ready to use when your body's natural collagen production starts to decline. Dr. Turner calls this a “rejuvenation” strategy, which involves lifestyle choices, skincare products, and treatments that aim to boost collagen levels while maintaining existing levels to keep skin firm, supple, and elastic as you age.
He notes that collagen is also broken down by smoking and environmental factors like UV rays and pollution. Since the collagen produced by older tissues isn’t as good as it was when you were younger, supporting collagen production during the years when your skin is still producing it at a high level can help it stay firm and plump.
“It’s always easier to prevent collagen loss or damage than to repair it,” says dermatologist Robin Gmyrek. Especially considering that we start losing about one percent of our collagen per year starting at age 25, and that rate drops even more after menopause.
When should you start collagen banking? Research shows that collagen production can start to decline as early as age 20.
Teenagers and young adults should avoid the highly active skin care products recommended for increasing collagen production in adults. Instead, they should get their collagen from a healthy, balanced diet with quality protein sources, leafy greens, vitamin C, and other recommended nutrients.
After age 16, you can start using skin care products and methods (hydrating cleanser and moisturizer, using products with SPF 30, etc.) that support collagen production.
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What is collagen banking: what to do at home
First of all, it is important to protect the collagen that you already have. “Ultraviolet rays, free radicals, stress and other external factors can damage our collagen and accelerate its loss,” explains Dr. Engelman. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen daily and using skin care products with antioxidants like vitamin C. It helps fight the formation of free radicals and inflammation.
Dr. Engelman considers retinol the “gold standard” of anti-aging products. That’s because of its ability to stimulate collagen production and act as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress. If your skin can’t tolerate retinol, she recommends trying bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative. It provides similar benefits without the harsh side effects. In addition to topical treatments, Dr. Gmyrek suggests using an at-home LED light device—red or near-infrared light that stimulates cellular energy to improve collagen production and elasticity. While topical treatments are great, Dr. Gmyrek says you shouldn’t throw collagen creams off the shelves, as most of them don’t penetrate the skin’s surface.When it comes to collagen supplements, the verdict is out. Many experts say they’re not a magic bullet for your face. While some clinical evidence suggests that animal-based collagen, derived from beef or fish, may be beneficial (note: there’s no evidence yet that vegan derivatives actually work), there are still reasons to be skeptical about their effectiveness.
“Collagen is a protein that, when ingested, is broken down into amino acids and carried through the bloodstream. Your body uses those amino acids where they’re needed,” explains dermatologist Purvisha Patel. “There’s no guarantee that they’ll be used for skin rejuvenation.”
Dr. Engelman adds that a balanced diet that includes leafy greens, high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals can help stimulate collagen production at any age.
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